Portable acoustical unit for voice recognition

ABSTRACT

A portable acoustic unit is adapted for insertion into an electrical receptacle. The portable acoustic unit has an integrated microphone and a wireless network interface to an automation controller. The portable acoustic unit detects spoken voice commands from users in the vicinity of the electrical receptacle. The portable acoustic unit merely plugs into a conventional electrical outlet to provide an extremely simple means of voice control through a home or business.

COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its attachmentscontain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patentand Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Intercom systems can be found in many homes and businesses. Theseintercom systems allow occupants in different rooms to communicate.However, conventional intercom systems rely on dedicated wiring orwireless transmission. The dedicated wiring is expensive and usuallyinstalled during construction, thus becoming quickly outdated.Conventional wireless intercoms also have limited range and interferenceissues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments arebetter understood when the following Detailed Description is read withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1-4 are simplified illustrations of a portable acoustical unit,according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 5-8 are more detailed, exploded illustrations of the portableacoustical unit, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 9-13 further illustrate various network interfaces, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate an outer enclosure of the portable acousticalunit, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate different positions of a sensory element,according to exemplary embodiments

FIG. 19 illustrates an acoustic tube, according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of microphone circuitry, according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 21 further illustrates a microphone, according exemplaryembodiments;

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate locational selection, according to exemplaryembodiments; and

FIGS. 26-29 illustrate personalized tuning, according to exemplaryembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodimentsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those ofordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein recitingembodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating the exemplaryembodiments. The functions of the various elements shown in the figuresmay be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well ashardware capable of executing associated software. Those of ordinaryskill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named manufacturer.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected”or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled.As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first device could be termed asecond device, and, similarly, a second device could be termed a firstdevice without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1-4 are simplified illustrations of an environment in whichexemplary embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 1 illustrates a portableacoustical unit 20 that plugs into an electrical power receptacle 22.The electrical power receptacle 22 is illustrated as the familiarelectrical outlet 24 having duplex outlet sockets 26 and 28. Theportable acoustical unit 20, however, may have any physical and powerconfiguration (such as a 3-prong or USB plug, as later paragraphs willexplain). Regardless, the portable acoustical unit 20 is acousticallyresponsive. That is, the portable acoustical unit 20 has an acoustictransducer 30 that detects sounds in the vicinity of its installedlocation. The reader is likely familiar with a microphone, which is acommon term for the acoustic transducer 30. This disclosure will thusgenerally refer to the acoustic transducer 30 as a microphone 32 forfamiliarity and ease of explanation.

FIG. 2 illustrates voice control. When the portable acoustical unit 20is plugged into the electrical power receptacle 22, electrical power 34is provided to the microphone 32. The microphone 32 may thus respond toaudible voice commands 36 spoken by a user 38. The user's audible speechis converted to electrical energy by microphone circuitry 40, which willbe later explained. The microphone circuitry 40 thus generates an outputsignal 42 that is representative of sound pressure waves 44 utter by theuser. The portable acoustical unit 20 also has a network interface 46 toa communications network (not shown for simplicity). Exemplaryembodiments thus allow the output signal 42 to be sent or conveyed to acontroller 48 for interpretation and action. The user 38 may thus speakthe voice commands 36 to control appliances, lights, and otherautomation systems.

FIG. 3 better illustrates the microphone 32. The portable acousticalunit 20 has an enclosure 50 that houses the internal microphonecircuitry 40 and the network interface 46. Even though the microphonecircuitry 40 may be enclosed within the enclosure 50, an acousticaperture 52 exposes a sensory element 54 to ambient sounds (such as thesound pressure waves 44 illustrated in FIG. 2). The sensory element 54converts incident sound pressure waves 44 into electrical signals. Thatis, even though the microphone circuitry 40 may be enclosed within andprotected by the enclosure 50, the acoustic aperture 52 allows thesensory element 54 to respond to stimulus sounds. The microphonecircuitry 40 thus generates the output signal 42 in response to thestimulus acoustic inputs.

FIG. 4 illustrates a whole-home installation. Here one or more of theportable acoustical units 20 may be installed in each room 60 of a home62. The portable acoustical unit 20 may thus be deployed or installed inbedrooms, a living room, and bathrooms, thus allowing voice controlthroughout the home 60 without added wiring. The portable acousticalunit 20, of course, may similarly be installed within the rooms of anoffice or any other facility. The controller 48 may thus respond tovoice commands spoken throughout a building. The portable acousticalunit 20 may even detect and identify the speech of different users inthe same room, as later paragraphs will explain. Exemplary embodimentsthus distinguish and execute different commands spoken by differentusers throughout the home or business.

Exemplary embodiments thus enhance the digital home experience. As morepeople learn about the benefits and conveniences of home control andautomation, the cost and difficulty of installation may be an obstacleto wide adoption. Exemplary embodiments thus provide a very simplesolution that meshes with the existing electrical wiring distributionsystem already used by nearly all homes and businesses. No extra wiringis required, and no installation concerns are added. The portableacoustical unit 20 is merely plugged into the existing electricaloutlets (such as that illustrated in FIG. 1) to provide elegant, simple,and inexpensive verbal communication and control.

FIGS. 5-8 are more detailed, exploded illustrations of the portableacoustical unit 20, according to exemplary embodiments. The enclosure 50houses the internal microphone circuitry 40 and the network interface 46(perhaps fabricated as components of a circuit board 70). While theenclosure 50 may be formed or assembled from one or many pieces, forsimplicity FIG. 5 illustrates mating left and right halves 72 and 74.The microphone circuitry 40 and the network interface 46 are thusretained inside the enclosure 50 and generally protected from exposure.The microphone 32 may also be mostly or substantially housed within theenclosure 50 formed by the mating halves 72 and 74. FIG. 5, though,illustrates the acoustic port or aperture 52 in the enclosure 50 thatexposes the sensory element 54 to ambient sounds (such as the soundpressure waves 44 illustrated in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a mechanical power plug 80. FIG. 6 illustrates themechanical power plug 80 as the familiar two-prong male blades thatinsert into the electrical female outlet sockets 26 and 28 (illustratedin FIG. 1). The enclosure 50 may thus also expose the mechanical powerplug 80. FIG. 7 illustrates the mechanical power plug 80 as the familiargrounded three-prong male configuration. FIG. 8 illustrates themechanical power plug 80 as the universal serial bus (or “USB”)connector 82 for insertion into a combination duplex/USB electricaloutlet 84. Regardless, the mechanical power plug 80 protrudes throughone or more plug apertures 86 in the enclosure 50 (best illustrated inFIG. 6). When electrical energy is applied to the mechanical power plug80 (perhaps via the electrical power 34 illustrated in FIG. 1), theportable acoustical unit 20 is energized with electrical energy. Themicrophone 32 thus detects audible words and phrases spoken in itsinstallation vicinity or proximity of the electrical receptacle 22and/or 84. The user's audible speech (mechanically represented as thesound pressure waves 44) propagates to the microphone 32. The user'saudible speech is thus converted to electrical energy by microphonecircuitry 40, which will be later explained.

Exemplary embodiments may use any configuration and protocol. The readershould realize that the portable acoustical unit 20 and/or themechanical power plug 80 may have any size, shape, spacing, andconfiguration according to governmental and industry standards, safetyregulations, electrical current, and electrical voltage. The NationalElectrical Manufacturers Association (or “NEMA”), for example, definesstandards for power plugs and receptacles used for alternating current(“AC”) mains electricity in many countries. Different combinations ofcontact blade widths, shapes, orientation, and dimensions are specified,based on various factors not pertinent here. Moreover, the USB connector82 is only one example and exemplary embodiments may utilize anyconnector design, size, and communications protocol.

FIGS. 9-13 further illustrate the network interface 46, according toexemplary embodiments. The network interface 46 may also be mostly,substantially, or entirely housed within the enclosure 50. When themicrophone circuitry 40 generates the output signal 42, the outputsignals 42 are received by the network interface 46. The networkinterface 46 interconnects the portable acoustical unit 20 to acommunications network 90. The network interface 46 thus prepares orprocesses the output signals 42 according to a protocol 92. FIG. 9, forexample, illustrates the network interface 46 having wirelesscapabilities. A transceiver 94, for example, may also be housed withinthe enclosure 50 and thus wirelessly transmit the output signals 42 as awireless signal via the wireless communications network 90. FIG. 10,though, illustrates the network interface 46 implementing a packetizedInternet Protocol 96 and/or a power line communications (or “PLC”)protocol 98 that modulates the output signal 42 onto conductors ofelectrical wiring. Exemplary embodiments, though, may utilize anyhardware or software network interface. The network interface 46 thussends data or information representing the output signals 42 as messagesor signals to any destination, such as a network address associated withthe controller 48. The controller 48 thus interprets the output signals42 for voice recognition and/or automated control.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate additional wireless networking. Here the networkinterface 46, the transceiver 94, and/or the communications network 90may utilize any wireless technology or standard. FIG. 11, for example,illustrates the I.E.E.E. 802.11 standard for wireless local areanetworking (or “WLAN,” such as the WI-FI® Alliance). FIG. 12 illustratesthe BLUETOOTH® personal area networking (or “PAN”) standard that usesshort-wavelength UHF radio waves in the ISM band. FIG. 13 illustratesthe BLUETOOTH® low energy personal area networking standard that reducespower consumption.

As FIGS. 9-13 illustrate, exemplary embodiments may be appliedregardless of networking environment. Exemplary embodiments may beeasily adapted to stationary or mobile devices having cellular, WI-FI®,near field, and/or BLUETOOTH® capability. Exemplary embodiments may beapplied to mobile devices utilizing any portion of the electromagneticspectrum and any signaling standard (such as the IEEE 802 family ofstandards, GSM/CDMA/TDMA or any cellular standard, and/or the ISM band).Exemplary embodiments, however, may be applied to anyprocessor-controlled device operating in the radio-frequency domainand/or the Internet Protocol (IP) domain. Exemplary embodiments may beapplied to any processor-controlled device utilizing a distributedcomputing network, such as the Internet (sometimes alternatively knownas the “World Wide Web”), an intranet, a local-area network (LAN),and/or a wide-area network (WAN). Exemplary embodiments may be appliedto any processor-controlled device utilizing power line technologies, inwhich signals are communicated via electrical wiring. Indeed, exemplaryembodiments may be applied regardless of physical componentry, physicalconfiguration, or communications standard(s).

Exemplary embodiments may packetize. The network interface 46 and/or thetransceiver 94 may packetize communications or messages into packets ofdata according to a packet protocol, such as the Internet Protocol. Thepackets of data contain bits or bytes of data describing the contents,or payload, of a message. A header of each packet of data may containrouting information identifying an origination address and/or adestination address. There are many different known packet protocols,and the Internet Protocol is widely used, so no detailed explanation isneeded.

FIGS. 14-15 are more illustrations of the enclosure 50, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 15 illustrates sectional views of theenclosure 50 taken along line L₁₅ (illustrated as reference numeral 100)of FIG. 14. The sectional views may be enlarged for clarity of featuresand, for simplicity, merely illustrate the acoustic aperture 52. Eventhough the enclosure 50 may have any shape and size to suit differentdesigns and needs, here the enclosure 50 resembles a self-containedrectangular box or “brick.” The enclosure 50 has a material thickness102 defined by an inner surface 104 and an outer surface 106. Theacoustic aperture 52 has an inner wall 108 defining a cross-sectionalarea 110. While the acoustic aperture 52 may have any cross-sectionalshape, this disclosure mainly illustrates a simple circularcross-sectional shape with the circumferential inner wall 108 defining acircular hole, passage, or inlet. The acoustic aperture 52 may thusextend through the material thickness 102 from the inner surface 104 tothe outer surface 106.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate different positions of the sensory element 54,according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 16, for example, illustratesthe sensory element 54 sized for insertion into and through acousticaperture 52. The sensory element 54 may thus outwardly extend beyond theouter surface 106 of the enclosure 50 to detect propagating sounds. Theremaining componentry of the microphone 32 (such as the microphonecircuitry 40) may be located elsewhere, as desired or needed. FIG. 17,though, illustrates the sensory element 54 arranged or aligned withinthe acoustic aperture 52, but the sensory element 54 may not outwardlyextend beyond the outer surface 106. The sensory element 54, in otherwords, may be positioned between the inner surface 104 and the outersurface 106 within the material thickness 102. FIG. 18 illustrates thesensory element 54 still arranged or aligned with the acoustic aperture52, but the sensory element 54 may not extend past the inner surface104. The sensory element 54 may thus be protected from damage beyond theouter surface 106, but the acoustic aperture 52 guides the soundpressure waves 44 (illustrated in FIG. 1) to the sensory element 54. Theacoustic aperture 52 may thus be an acoustic waveguide that reflects anddirects the sound pressure waves 44 to the sensory element 54.

FIG. 19 illustrates an acoustic tube 120, according to exemplaryembodiments. Here the enclosure 50 is shown in hidden view toillustratively emphasize the acoustic tube 120. There may be manysituations in which the internal electrical componentry of the portableacoustical unit 20 (such as the network interface 46 and the mechanicalpower plug 80) may restrict the physical locations for the microphone 32(such as the sensory element 54 and/or the microphone circuitry 40). Theacoustic aperture 52 may act as an acoustic inlet 122 to the acoustictube 120. The acoustic tube 120 has a length, shape, and configurationthat extends from the inner surface 104 (illustrated in FIGS. 15-18) ofthe enclosure 50 to the sensory element 54 housed within the enclosure50. The acoustic tube 120 may have one or more straight sections, bends,and/or curves that snake through the internal componentry of theportable acoustical unit 20 to the sensory element 54 and/or to themicrophone circuitry 40. The acoustic tube 120 may thus be an acousticwaveguide that reflects and directs the sound pressure waves 44(illustrated in FIG. 1) around or through or around the mechanical powerplug 80 to the sensory element 54. The acoustic tube 120 may thus havean inner tubular wall 124 defining any cross-sectional shape or area.For simplicity, FIG. 19 illustrates a circular cross-section that alignswith or mates with the acoustic aperture 52. The sensory element 54 maythus be physically located at any position or location within theenclosure 50. The acoustic tube 120 directs the sound pressure waves 44to the sensory element 54, regardless of its internal location withinthe enclosure 50. The acoustic tube 120 may have a cross-sectionalshape, diameter, length, and routing to suit any design need orpackaging limitation.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the microphone circuitry 40, according toexemplary embodiments. There are many different microphone designs andcircuits, so FIG. 20 only illustrates the basic components. The sensoryelement 54 detects audible words and phrases spoken by a user in thevicinity or proximity of the portable acoustical unit 20 (such as whenengaging the electrical outlet 24 or 84 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8).The sensory element 54 converts the sound pressure waves 44 (illustratedin FIG. 1) into electrical energy 130 having a current, voltage, and/orfrequency. An output of the sensory element 54 may be small, soamplifier circuitry 132 may be used. If the sensory element 54 producesan analog output, an analog-to-digital converter 134 may then be used toconvert an output of the amplifier circuitry 132 to a digital form orsignal. The microphone circuitry 40 thus generates the output signal 42that is representative of the sound pressure waves 44. The outputsignals 42 are received by the network interface 46 and prepared orprocessed according to the protocol 92. The network interface 46, forexample, may wirelessly send the output signals 42 using a cellular,WI-FI®, or BLUETOOTH® protocol or standard. However, the networkinterface 46 may modulate the output signals 42 according to power linecommunications (“PLC”) protocol or standard. Regardless, the networkinterface 46 addresses the output signals 42 to any destination, such asthe network address 47 associated with the controller 48. The controller48 thus interprets the output signals 42 for voice recognition and/orautomated control.

Exemplary embodiments may also include power conversion. As the readermay realize, the portable acoustical unit 20 may receive alternatingcurrent (“AC”) electrical power (current and voltage). The microphonecircuitry 40, though, may require direct current (“DC”) electricalpower. The microphone circuitry 40 may thus include an AC/DC convertercircuitry 136 that converts the alternating current electrical powerinto direct current electrical power. The direct current electricalpower is thus distributed to the sensory element 54 and to themicrophone circuitry 40. The microphone circuitry 40 may further includea battery 138 for continued operation when the alternating current(“AC”) electrical power is not available.

Exemplary embodiments may also include power transformation. Thealternating current electrical power (perhaps provided by the electricaloutlets 24 or 84 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8 or the USB connector 80illustrated in FIG. 8) may be at a different voltage that required bythe microphone circuitry 40. For example, in North America theelectrical grid delivers 120 Volts AC at 60 Hz. The microphone circuitry40, though, may require 5 Volts DC or even less. Power transformercircuitry 140 may thus be included to transform electrical power to adesired driver voltage and/or current.

Exemplary embodiments may utilize any microphone technology. Somemicrophones have a vibrating diaphragm. Some microphones are directionaland others are omnidirectional. Different microphone designs havedifferent frequency response characteristics and different impedancecharacteristics. Some microphones are even manufactured usingmicro-electro-mechanical systems (or “MEMS”) technology. The microphonetechnology is not important, as exemplary embodiments may be utilizedwith any microphone technology or manufacturing process.

Exemplary embodiments may be processor controlled. The portableacoustical unit 20 and/or the microphone circuitry 40 may also have aprocessor 142 (e.g., “μP”), application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), or other component that executes an acoustic algorithm 144stored in a memory 146. The acoustic algorithm 144 is a set ofprogramming, code, or instructions that cause the processor 142 toperform operations, such as commanding the sensory element 54, theamplifier circuitry 132, the analog-to-digital converter 136, the powertransformer circuitry 140, and/or the network interface 46. Informationand/or data may be sent or received as packets of data according to apacket protocol (such as any of the Internet Protocols). The packets ofdata contain bits or bytes of data describing the contents, or payload,of a message. A header of each packet of data may contain routinginformation identifying an origination address and/or a destinationaddress.

A connection to electrical ground 150 is also provided. Because theportable acoustical unit 20 may be physically connected to electricalwiring, the portable acoustical unit 20 may have an available physicalconnection to one of the conductors providing electrical ground 150.Even one of the conductors connected to neutral may provide theelectrical ground 150.

The microphone circuitry 40 may optionally include filter circuitry 154.Exemplary embodiments may be tuned or designed for certain ranges orbands of frequencies. For example, the human voice is typically very lowfrequencies (85-300 Hz). If the portable acoustical unit 20 is used forvoice control, the user will likely not speak commands outside the humanvoice range of frequencies. Exemplary embodiments may thus ignore, orfilter out, frequencies not of interest (such as inaudible frequencies)to save processing capability. The filter circuitry 154 may thus be usedto avoid wasting resources on unwanted or undesired frequencies.

Exemplary embodiments may utilize any processing component,configuration, or system. Any processor could be multiple processors,which could include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The processor could includea state machine, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),programmable gate array (PGA) including a Field PGA, or state machine.When any of the processors execute instructions to perform “operations”,this could include the processor performing the operations directlyand/or facilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device orcomponent to perform the operations.

FIG. 21 further illustrates the microphone 32, according exemplaryembodiments. Here the output signal 42 generated by the microphonecircuitry 40 may represent or indicate a frequency f_(s) (illustrated asreference numeral 160) and a vector direction 162 produced by a soundsource 164 (such as the stimulus sound pressure waves 44 representingthe user's spoken voice commands 36 illustrated in FIG. 1). While anyacoustic sensing technology may be used, FIG. 21 illustrates a physicalstructure based on the tympanic membranes of the Ormia ochracea fly.This physical structure is well known for directional sound sensing, sono detailed explanation is needed. In simple words, the microphone 32has two (2) or more compliant membranes 170 and 172. The compliantmembranes 170 and 172 are illustrated in an enlarged view for clarity,although their physical size may be adapted to suit any need orresponse. A bridge 174 physically connects or couples the membranes 170and 172. Here the stimulus sound pressure waves 44 enter the enclosure50 via two (2) acoustic apertures 52 a and 52 b (and perhaps propagatingalong corresponding acoustic tubes 120 a and 120 b) as inlet canals. Thesound pressure waves 44 cause the membranes 170 and 172 to vibrate (dueto incident acoustic pressure). The vibrations of the membranes 170 and172 may also impart a motion to the bridge 174. The membranes 170 and172 may thus vibrate in or out of phase, depending on acousticdirection, delivery, and propagation. The physical properties of themembranes 170 and 172 and the bridge 174 may thus be chosen to detectthe sound pressure waves 44. When the sound pressure waves 44 excite themicrophone 32, the microphone 32 generates the output signal 42representing the frequency 160 and the vector direction 162 associatedwith the sound pressure waves 44.

FIG. 21 also illustrates vectorization. Here exemplary embodiments maygenerate the vector direction 162 of the stimulus sound pressure wave 44in three-directions or dimensions from the microphone 32 to the soundsource 164. The microphone 32, in other words, locates the sound source164 and generates a turning angle φ (illustrated as reference numeral176) and an azimuth angle θ (illustrated as reference numeral 178). Themicrophone 32 thus identifies the vector direction 162 by determiningthe turning angle φ and orienting to the azimuth angle θ. The microphonecircuitry 40 may thus report the vector direction 162 to the soundsource 164 using the turning angle φ and the azimuth angle θ. Suppose,for example, the acoustic algorithm 144 causes the processor 142(illustrated in FIG. 20) to retrieve an installed location 180associated with the portable acoustical unit 20. The installed location180 may be best represented as global positioning system (“GPS”)information 182 describing the installed location 180 of the portableacoustical unit 20. The global positioning system information 182 may bepre-determined and retrieved from the local memory 146 (also illustratedin FIG. 20), or a GPS receiver (not shown for simplicity) operating inthe portable acoustical unit 20 may determine the global positioningsystem information 182. Regardless, once the global positioning systeminformation 182 is known, the vector direction 162 may be determined.Assuming an origin (e.g., 0, 0, 0) at the installed location 180, thevector direction 162 orients to the turning angle φ and to the azimuthangle θ (assuming a spherical coordinate system). The radius R, ofcourse, may be unknown, as the microphone circuitry 40 only reported thelocalized vector direction 162 in terms of the turning angle φ and theazimuth angle θ. Alternatively, any of these outputs 42 may be sent tothe controller 48 (also illustrated in FIG. 20), thus allowing thecontroller 48 to retrieve the installed location 180 and to determinethe vector direction 162 oriented to the turning angle φ and to theazimuth angle θ. Either solution yields three-directions of the vectordirection 162 to the sound source 164.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate locational selection, according to exemplaryembodiments. Here the portable acoustical unit 20 may suggest adifferent operating location, based on the vector direction 162 to thesound source 164. That is, even though the portable acoustical unit 20may be plugged into the electrical outlet 24 associated with theinstalled location 180, the portable acoustical unit 20 may analyze thevector direction 162 and select a different electrical outlet(illustrated as reference numeral 190) that is physically closer to thesound source 164. Because the different electrical outlet 190 isradially closer to the user (e.g., the sound source 164), the microphone32 may have better acoustical reception. Exemplary embodiments may thusgenerate an outlet suggestion 192 to move the portable acoustical unit20 to the different electrical outlet 190 that is closer to the user(e.g., the sound source 164).

As FIG. 23 illustrates, exemplary embodiments may consult an electronicdatabase 200 of electrical outlets. The vector direction 162 representsa linear line to the sound source 164, as oriented from the currentlyinstalled location 180 of the portable acoustical unit 20. Once thevector direction 162 is determined, the electronic database 200 ofelectrical outlets may be queried to determine an alternative electricaloutlet having a closer installation location to the vector direction162. FIG. 23, for example, illustrates the electronic database 200 ofelectrical outlets as being locally stored in the memory 146 of theportable acoustical unit 20, but the electronic database 200 ofelectrical outlets may have some or all entries stored at a differentnetworked location (such as the controller 46). Regardless, theelectronic database 200 of electrical outlets is illustrated a table 202that maps, relates, or associates different electrical outletidentifiers (“Outlet ID”) 204 to their corresponding installationlocation 180. The electronic database 200 of electrical outlets thus haselectronic database associations between electrical outlet identifiers204 and the global positioning system information 182 describing theinstalled locations 180 of different electrical outlets in the home orbusiness. Each electrical outlet identifier 204 may be any alphanumericcombination that is uniquely assigned to a corresponding one of theelectrical outlets. Once the vector direction 162 is determined,exemplary embodiments may query for and retrieve the global positioningsystem information 182 associated with one or more of the electricaloutlets and compute a perpendicular distance 206 to the linear linerepresenting vector direction 162. Exemplary embodiments may repeatedlycalculate the perpendicular distance 206 for each electrical outlet 24(e.g., each electrical outlet identifier 204) in the database 200 ofelectrical outlets. As FIG. 24 best illustrates, comparisons may beperformed. Once one or more of the perpendicular distances 206 aredetermined, the acoustic algorithm 144 may compare any or all of theperpendicular distances 206 and select the shortest value 208 as theoutlet suggestion 192. The shortest value 208 of the perpendiculardistances 206 may thus be physically closer to the sound source 164.Exemplary embodiments, in plain words, have identified the differentelectrical outlet 190 that is closest to the linear line representingvector direction 162 to the sound source 164.

FIG. 25 further illustrates the outlet suggestion 192. Once the outletsuggestion 192 is determined, exemplary embodiments may convey theoutlet suggestion 192 to the user. FIG. 25, for example, illustrates theoutlet suggestion 192 packaged as an electronic message 210 that is sentinto the communications network 90 for delivery to any destinationaddress (such as the user's smartphone 212). The outlet suggestion 192may thus be sent as a text or email message to identify the differentelectrical outlet 190 (perhaps by its electrical outlet identifier 204)that is physically closer to the vector direction 162 to the soundsource 164. When the user's smartphone 212 receives the electronicmessage 210, the outlet suggestion 192 is processed for display.Exemplary embodiments may thus suggest that the user physically removethe portable audio unit 20 from the current electrical outlet 24 and,instead, move the portable audio unit 20 to the different electricaloutlet 190.

Exemplary embodiments have learning abilities. As the portableacoustical unit 20 operates, in time the same vector direction 162 maybe repeatedly determined. The sound source 164, in other words, nearlyalways generates or propagates from the same location. This repetitionis understood when the reader realizes the typical furnitureconfiguration of homes and businesses. Most people place their furniturein a room, and that placement remains constant. Indeed, a couch andchair may have the same arrangement for years. So, as people gather inthe room and converse, the vector direction 162 will repeatedly coincidewith the couch and chair where people sit. The portable acoustical unit20 is thus likely to observe the same general vector direction 162 thatmatches the placement of furniture in the room. The portable acousticalunit 20 will similarly determine the same general vector direction 162in a kitchen where people habitually stand to prepare meals. Over time,then, the portable acoustical unit 20 will learn and identify theelectrical outlet 24 that is closest to the people in the room. The usermay thus adopt the outlet suggestion 192 and move the portableacoustical unit 20 for best acoustic reception.

FIGS. 26-29 illustrate personalized tuning, according to exemplaryembodiments. Here piezoelectric components may be used to personalizethe portable acoustical unit 20 to the frequency characteristics of thespeaking user. As FIG. 26 illustrates, the microphone 32 may have athin-film coating or deposition of piezoelectric material 220 on themembranes 170 and 172 and/or on the bridge 174. When an electricalvoltage V_(Plezo) (illustrated as reference numeral 222) is applied tothe piezoelectric material 220, the piezoelectric material 220 changesits strain properties according to the piezoelectric effect. The changein the strain properties of the piezoelectric material 220 causes achange in the vibration of the membranes 170 and 172 and/or the bridge174. The microphone 32, in other words, may change its frequencyresponse characteristics, based on the electrical voltage V_(Piezo)applied to the piezoelectric material 220. The microphone 32 may thus beforced, or tuned, to respond to different excitation acousticfrequencies by changing the electrical voltage V_(Piezo) applied to thepiezoelectric material 220. For example, increasing the electricalvoltage V_(Piezo) may increase the strain/stiffness the piezoelectricmaterial 220, while decreasing the electrical voltage V_(Piezo) reducesthe strain/stiffness. The electrical voltage V_(Piezo), in other words,may determine a frequency band 224 at which the microphone 32 detects.So, by changing the electrical voltage V_(Piezo) applied to thepiezoelectric material 220, the microphone 32 may detect differentacoustic frequencies. The electrical voltage V_(Piezo) may be suppliedby or derived from by the electrical power 34 (such as produced by themicrophone circuitry 40 illustrated in FIG. 20).

FIG. 27 illustrates the personalization. When the microphone 32 sensesthe stimulus sound pressure wave 44 (illustrated in FIG. 26), exemplaryembodiments may identify the speaker/user. For example, the outputsignal 42 generated by the portable acoustical unit 20 may be sent tothe controller 48 for analysis. The controller 48 may execute a speakeridentification algorithm 230 that analyzes the output signal 42 toidentify the speaking user. Speaker or voice recognition is known andneed not be explained in detail for these purposes. Suffice it to saythe speaker identification algorithm 230 identifies the speaking userfrom perhaps a group of possible known occupant voice profiles 232. Oncethe speaker is identified, the electrical voltage V_(Piezo) (illustratedas reference numeral 222) may then be determined.

FIG. 28, for example, illustrates an electronic database 240 ofvoltages. The electronic database 240 of voltages is illustrated asbeing locally stored in the portable acoustical unit 20, but thedatabase entries may be remotely accessed and queried from any networklocation. Once the speaker is identified (based on the speaker's voiceprofile 232), the electronic database 240 of voltages may be queried forthe corresponding value of the electrical voltage V_(Piezo). FIG. 28illustrates the electronic database 240 of voltages as a table 242 thatmaps, relates, or associates different voice profiles 232 to theircorresponding electrical piezoelectric voltages V_(Piezo) (illustratedas reference numeral 222). The electronic database 240 of voltages thushas electronic database associations between different voice profilesand different electrical voltages V_(Piezo). Once the speaker's voiceprofile 232 is identified, exemplary embodiments may query theelectronic database 240 of voltages and retrieve the electrical voltageV_(Piezo) that best tunes the portable acoustical unit 20 to thespeaker's voice characteristics (such as the frequency band 224).

FIG. 29 thus illustrates a feedback loop 244. Now that the electricalvoltage V_(Piezo) is known, the electrical voltage V_(Piezo) may thus beapplied to the microphone 32 as feedback. The electrical voltageV_(Piezo) (illustrated as reference numeral 222) thus fine tunes thefrequency band 224 at which the microphone circuitry 40 is mostsensitive to the speaker's voice. Exemplary embodiments, in other words,may alter the mechanical strain of the piezoelectric material 220(illustrated in FIG. 26) to personalize the microphone's sensitivity tothe speaker's voice. Indeed, exemplary embodiments may even beconfigured to only recognize one or a few voice profiles 232 by limitingthe electrical voltage V_(Piezo) and thus the microphone's sensitivityto certain speaker's voices.

Exemplary embodiments may be physically embodied on or in acomputer-readable memory device or other storage medium. Thiscomputer-readable medium, for example, may include CD-ROM, DVD, tape,cassette, floppy disk, optical disk, memory card, memory drive, andlarge-capacity disks. This computer-readable medium, or media, could bedistributed to end-subscribers, licensees, and assignees. A computerprogram product comprises processor-executable instructions for portablevoice control, as the above paragraphs explained.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect tovarious features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilledin the art will recognize the exemplary embodiments are not so limited.Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplaryembodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A portable acoustical unit, comprising: anenclosure exposing a mechanical power plug adapted for physicalconnection to an electrical outlet; a microphone having a sensoryelement exposed through the enclosure; circuitry housed within theenclosure, the circuitry electrically connected to the mechanical powerplug; a hardware processor housed within the enclosure; and a memorydevice housed within the enclosure, the memory device storinginstructions that when executed causes the hardware processor to performoperations, the operations comprising: converting alternating currentelectrical power at the mechanical power plug into direct currentelectrical power; identifying a voice profile associated with a voice ofa speaker, the voice profile based on an output generated by themicrophone; querying an electronic database for the voice profile, theelectronic database electronically associating voltages to voiceprofiles including the voice profile identified based on the outputgenerated by the microphone speaker; identifying a voltage of thevoltages in the electronic database that is electronically associatedwith the voice profile; and feedback tuning the microphone based on thevoltage that is electronically associated with the voice profile.
 2. Theportable acoustical unit of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise converting the voltage.
 3. The portable acoustical unit ofclaim 1, wherein the operations further comprise applying the voltage toa component of the microphone as the feedback tuning.
 4. The portableacoustical unit of claim 1, further comprising an acoustic aperture inthe enclosure that exposes the sensory element of the microphone.
 5. Theportable acoustical unit of claim 1, further comprising a networkinterface to a communications network, the network interface housedwithin the enclosure.
 6. The portable acoustical unit of claim 1,further comprising a wireless network interface to a wirelesscommunications network, the wireless network interface housed within theenclosure.
 7. The portable acoustical unit of claim 1, furthercomprising filter circuitry housed within the enclosure, wherein thefilter circuitry filters signals representing inaudible frequencies. 8.A portable acoustical unit, comprising: an enclosure exposing amechanical power plug having male blades adapted for physical connectionto a female electrical outlet; a microphone having a sensory elementexposed through the enclosure; circuitry housed within the enclosure andhaving an electrical connection to the mechanical power plug; aprocessor housed within the enclosure; and a memory device housed withinthe enclosure, the memory device storing instructions that when executedcauses the processor to perform operations, the operations comprising:converting alternating current electrical power when applied to themechanical power plug into direct current electrical power; identifyinga voice profile associated with a voice of a speaker, the voice profilebased on an output generated by the microphone; querying an electronicdatabase for the voice profile, the electronic database electronicallyassociating voltages to voice profiles including the voice profileassociated with the voice of the speaker; identifying a voltage of thevoltages in the electronic database that is electronically associatedwith the voice profile; and feedback tuning the microphone to the voiceof the speaker based on the voltage that is electronically associatedwith the voice profile.
 9. The portable acoustical unit of claim 8,wherein the operations further comprise retrieving a value representingthe voltage.
 10. The portable acoustical unit of claim 8, wherein theoperations further comprise applying the voltage to a component of themicrophone as the feedback tuning.
 11. The portable acoustical unit ofclaim 8, further comprising an acoustic aperture in the enclosure thatexposes the sensory element of the microphone.
 12. The portableacoustical unit of claim 8, further comprising a network interface to acommunications network, the network interface housed within theenclosure.
 13. The portable acoustical unit of claim 8, furthercomprising a wireless network interface to a wireless communicationsnetwork, the wireless network interface housed within the enclosure. 14.The portable acoustical unit of claim 8, further comprising filtercircuitry housed within the enclosure, wherein the filter circuitryfilters signals representing inaudible frequencies.
 15. A portableacoustical unit, comprising: an enclosure exposing a mechanical powerplug having a universal serial bus connector adapted for physicalconnection to an electrical outlet; a microphone having a sensoryelement exposed through the enclosure; circuitry housed within theenclosure and having an electrical connection to the mechanical powerplug; a processor housed within the enclosure; and a memory devicehoused within the enclosure, the memory device storing instructions thatwhen executed causes the processor to perform operations, the operationscomprising: converting alternating current electrical power when appliedto the mechanical power plug into direct current electrical power;identifying a voice profile associated with a voice of a speaker, thevoice profile based on an output generated by the microphone; queryingan electronic database for the voice profile, the electronic databaseelectronically associating voltages to voice profiles including thevoice profile associated with the voice of the speaker; identifying avoltage of the voltages in the electronic database that iselectronically associated with the voice profile; and feedback tuningthe microphone to the voice of the speaker based on the voltage that iselectronically associated with the voice profile.
 16. The portableacoustical unit of claim 15, wherein the operations further compriseretrieving a value from the electronic database representing thevoltage.
 17. The portable acoustical unit of claim 15, wherein theoperations further comprise applying the voltage to a component of themicrophone as the feedback tuning.
 18. The portable acoustical unit ofclaim 15, further comprising an acoustic aperture in the enclosure thatexposes the sensory element of the microphone.
 19. The portableacoustical unit of claim 15, further comprising a network interface to acommunications network, the network interface housed within theenclosure.
 20. The portable acoustical unit of claim 15, furthercomprising a wireless network interface to a wireless communicationsnetwork, the wireless network interface housed within the enclosure.